Thomas W. Boffardi

Tommy Boffardi (aka Buddha), 56, of Malverne, New York passed away peacefully at the Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn on July 9, 2019 after fiercely battling metastatic colon cancer. Tommy was the beloved husband of Julie and devoted father of Nicholas, Jamie and his adored Shih Tzu, Lucy.

Tommy is also survived by his parents, Roslyn and Arthur Boffardi; sister, Gail Boddy (Bill), brother Artie; and sister Lori Salvoni (Michael) and was the favorite son-in-law of Rosemary McCarthy. He will be deeply missed by his wife’s eight siblings and their families, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Tommy graduated from Oceanside High School and as a youth played soccer, baseball and roller hockey.  He spent over 30 years as a dedicated elevator mechanic with Dover and ThyssenKrupp Elevator Companies. He will be remembered for his kind heart, quick wit, and impish grin. Additionally, he was a highly skilled, ultra-talented left handed racquetball player (although he was right hand dominant) and possessed an unparalleled Whack-a-Mole ability. He was a devoted Mets, Islanders and Giants fan.

Tommy was deeply devoted to his sons, Nick and Jamie, and spent countless hours with them as a baseball, soccer and basketball coach. He could often be found down at Harris and Whelan Little League fields throwing pitches and teaching his sons and numerous other youngsters the basics of the game of baseball.  His compassionate coaching style and kind demeanor helped many Little Leaguers learn to love the game.  Countless parents would thank him after each season for the way he made each child feel that they were the most valuable member of the team.  He was also a former board member and Chief of Umpires for Malverne Little League.  

When not on the baseball field, he was often referred to as the “man behind the camera” at multiple sports and school activities, and various Christmas concerts.  He would often provide families with a DVD of highlights of these activities, capturing memories for a lifetime.

Tommy’s passing has left a huge hole in all our hearts – be at peace Buddha – we miss you and love you up to the sky and back again – forever and ever  . . .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Mary Ann Tully Hospice Inn – Melville (https://www.hospicecarenetwork.org/donate-now/) or the Kellenberg Memorial Shepherd’s Fund (https://www.kellenberg.org/shepherdsfund/).